Article packaging system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system for packagingarticles for shipment and, more particularly, but not by way oflimitation, to a system for automatically packaging potted plants forshipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002]FIG. 1 is a schematic of an article packaging system which isconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0003]FIG. 2 is a plan view of part of the packaging system of FIG. 1showing an automated greenhouse.

[0004]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a manual sorting station which maybe used in the article packaging system.

[0005]FIG. 4 is a plan view of an automatic sorting station which may beused in the article packaging system.

[0006]FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a gate constructed in accordancewith the invention.

[0007]FIG. 6 is a plan view of one embodiment for a cover placingstation which may be used with the article packaging system.

[0008]FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the cover placing station of FIG.6.

[0009]FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevation of a cover placing sub-unit, inposition to retrieve a cover.

[0010]FIG. 9 is the cover placing sub-unit of FIG. 8 in position forreceiving an article.

[0011]FIG. 10 is the cover placing sub-unit of FIG. 8 shown immediatelyafter receiving an article.

[0012]FIG. 11 is an elevational view of another embodiment for the coverplacing sub-unit, constructed in accordance with the invention.

[0013]FIG. 11A is a plan view of the cover placing sub-unit shown inFIG. 11.

[0014]FIG. 12 is an elevational view of another embodiment for the coverplacing sub-unit, constructed in accordance with the invention.

[0015]FIG. 12A is a plan view of the cover placing sub-unit shown inFIG. 12.

[0016]FIG. 13 is a plan view of yet another embodiment for the coverplacing sub-unit, constructed in accordance with the invention.

[0017]FIG. 14 is a view of a sleeve constructed in accordance with theinvention.

[0018]FIG. 15 is a perspective of part of a sleeving station showing asleeve before the sleeve is inflated.

[0019]FIG. 16 is a perspective of part of the sleeving station showingan inflated sleeve.

[0020]FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the sleeving station with partsremoved for clarity.

[0021]FIG. 18 is a plan view of the sleeving station.

[0022]FIG. 19 is a perspective of the sleeving station and part of thesealing station.

[0023]FIG. 20 is an elevational view showing a sealing and a placingstation constructed in accordance with the invention.

[0024]FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the sealing and placing station ofFIG. 19.

[0025]FIG. 22 is a schematic of another embodiment of an articlepackaging system which is constructed in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0026]FIG. 23. is a side view of the packaging system of FIG. 22.

[0027]FIG. 24A is an elevational view of a sleeving station which may beused in an article packaging system.

[0028]FIG. 24B is a view of the sleeving station of FIG. 24A indicatinga sleeve positioned to receive a potted plant.

[0029]FIG. 24C is a view of the sleeving station of FIG. 24A after apotted plant has been inserted into a sleeve.

[0030]FIG. 24D is a view of the sleeving station of FIG. 24A showing asleeved potted plant pushed onto a conveyor.

[0031]FIG. 25 is an elevational view of a sleeving station modified topush sleeved potted plants directly into a box.

[0032]FIG. 26 is an elevational view of a sleeving station modified totransfer a sleeved potted plant by lifting it into a box.

[0033]FIG. 27A is a sleeving station modified to receive a pot coverprior to receiving a potted plant.

[0034]FIG. 27B is the sleeving station of FIG. 27A prepared to receive apotted plant.

[0035]FIG. 28A is an elevational view of a cover supplying device whichmay be used in an article packaging system.

[0036]FIG. 28B is a plan view of the cover supplying device of FIG. 28A.

[0037]FIG. 29A is an elevational view of another cover supplying devicewhich may be used in an article packaging system.

[0038]FIG. 29B is a plan view of the cover supplying device of FIG. 29A.

[0039]FIG. 30A is an elevational view of another cover supplying devicewhich may be used in an article packaging system.

[0040]FIG. 30B is an elevational view of the device of FIG. 30A after acover has been picked up.

[0041]FIG. 30C is an elevational view of the device of FIG. 30A whereina sleeve is readied to receive a pot cover.

[0042]FIG. 30D is an elevational view of the device of FIG. 30A whereina pot cover has been inserted into a sleeve.

[0043]FIG. 31 is a plan schematic view of another article packagingsystem.

[0044]FIG. 32 is a front elevational view of a mobile sleeving stationfor use with an article packaging system such as that in FIG. 31.

[0045]FIG. 33 is a plan view of a boxing system for use in an articlepackaging system.

[0046]FIG. 34 is a plan view of a portion of another article packagingsystem in which a cover is applied directly to the article by a coverforming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The present invention, an article packaging system, is describedherein as being adapted to process potted plants. However, a pottedplant represents only one article which can be processed with thepresent invention and the present invention specifically contemplatesvarious and numerous other types of articles such as; vases, hats(including cowboy hats, fedoras, caps, derbies, sombreros, fezzes andhelmets), rose stem boxes, flower pots, candy trays, baskets (such asEaster or decorative baskets), corsage boxes, containers, and variousother articles. The term “article” as used herein is intended toencompass all of the specific articles just mentioned and the term“article” also is intended to be broad enough to encompass any otherarticle which may be decorated, sleeved, and then packed for shipping.

[0048] The term “potted plant” as used herein means a botanical item andthe pot, such as a flower pot, within which the botanical item iscontained. The potted plant has potting soil or any other growth mediumor filler, such as foam, known in the art to secure a plant or otherbotanical item within a pot. One end of the botanical item is secured inthe pot and the other end exposed through the opening in the flower pot.The potted plant has an exterior surface comprising the outer surface ofthe pot, about which a decorative cover may be placed or applied.

[0049] The term “botanical item” as used herein means a natural orartificial herbaceous or woody plant, taken singly or in combination.The term “botanical item” also means any portion or portions of naturalor artificial herbaceous or woody plants including stems, leaves,flowers, blossoms, buds, blooms, cones, or roots, taken singly or incombination, or in groupings of such portions such as bouquet or floralgrouping. The term “propagule” as used herein means any structurecapable of being propagated or acting as an agent of reproductionincluding seeds, shoots, stems, runners, tubers, plants, leaves, rootsor spores. The term “growing medium” used herein means any liquid, solidor gaseous material used for plant growth or for the cultivation ofpropagules, including organic and inorganic materials such as soil,humus, perlite, vermiculite, sand, water, and including the nutrients,fertilizers or hormones or combinations thereof required by the plantsor propagules for growth. The term “flower pot” means any type of floralcontainer used to hold a botanical item. Examples of flower pots used inaccordance with the present invention include clay flower pots, plasticflower pots, and flower pots comprised of other natural or syntheticmaterials.

[0050] The present invention particularly contemplates the preparationof potted plants for shipment. More particularly a potted plant may becovered with a formed sheet of decorative material formed into adecorative cover having an interior surface, exterior surface and aninterior space adjacent and surrounded by the interior surface such asthat formed in a mold type article forming system described in detail inU.S. Pat. No. 4,773,182 issued to Weder et al. on Sep. 27, 1988 andwhich is hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] A decorative pattern, such as a color and/or an embossed pattern,and/or other decorative surface ornamentation may be applied to theupper surface and/or the lower surface of the sheet of materialcomprising the decorative cover or portions thereof including, but notlimited to printed design, coatings, colors, flocking or metallicfinishes. The sheet of material comprising the cover also may be opaque,translucent, or totally or partially clear or tinted transparentmaterial.

[0052] The sheet of material may be constructed of a single sheet ofmaterial or a plurality of sheets. Any thickness of the sheet ofmaterial may be utilized in accordance with the present invention aslong as the sheet of material may be wrapped about at least a portion ofa flower pot or deposited within a sleeve, as described herein. Thesheet of material may have a thickness of less than about 1 mil to about30 mils. Typically, the sheet of material has a thickness in a range ofless than about 0.2 mils to about 10 mils. In a preferred embodiment,the sheet of material is constructed from one sheet of man-made organicpolymer film having a thickness in a range of from less than about 0.5mils to about 2.5 mils.

[0053] The sheet of material is constructed from any suitable materialthat is capable of being wrapped about a flower pot. Preferably, thesheet of material comprises paper (untreated or treated in any manner),cellophane, foil, synthetic organic polymer film, fiber (woven ornonwoven or synthetic or natural), cloth (woven or nonwoven or naturalor synthetic), burlap, or any combination thereof.

[0054] The term “synthetic organic polymer film” means a syntheticallymade resin such as a polypropylene as opposed to naturally occurringresins such as cellophane. A synthetic organic polymer film isrelatively strong and not as subject to tearing (substantiallynon-tearable), as might be the case with paper or foil. The syntheticorganic polymer film is a substantially linearly linked. Such films aresynthetic polymers formed or synthesized from monomers. Further, arelatively substantially linearly linked processed organic polymer filmis virtually waterproof which may be desirable in many applicationsinvolving wrapping botanical items or potted plants.

[0055] Additionally, a relatively thin film of substantially linearlylinked processed organic polymer does not substantially deteriorate insunlight. Processed organic polymer films having carbon atoms bothlinearly linked and cross linked, and some cross linked polymer films,also may be suitable for use in the present invention provided suchfilms are substantially flexible and can be made in a sheet-like formatfor wrapping purposes consistent with the present invention. Forexample, one such man-made organic polymer film is a polypropylene film.

[0056] The sheet of material may vary in color. Further, the sheet ofmaterial may consist of designs which are printed, etched, and/orembossed; in addition, the sheet of material may have various colorings,coatings, flocking and/or metallic finishes, or be characterized totallyor partially by pearlescent, translucent, transparent, iridescent, orthe like, characteristics. Each of the above-named characteristics mayoccur alone or in combination. Moreover, each surface of the sheet ofmaterial may vary in the combination of such characteristics.

[0057] The sheet of material has a width extending generally between thefirst side and the second side respectively, sufficiently sized wherebythe sheet of material can be wrapped about and substantially surroundand encompass a flower pot. The sheet of material has a length extendinggenerally between the third side and the fourth side, respectively,sufficiently sized whereby the sheet of material extends over asubstantial portion of the flower pot when the sheet of material hasbeen applied about the flower pot in accordance with the presentinvention shown and described in detail herein.

[0058] The sheet of material may further comprise at least one scent.Examples of scents utilized herein include (but are not limited to)floral scents (flower blossoms, or any portion of a plant), food scents(chocolate, sugar, fruits), herb or spice scents (cinnamon), and thelike. Additional examples of scents include flowers (such as roses,daisies, lilacs), plants (such as fruits, vegetables, grasses, trees),foods (for example, candies, cookies, cake), food condiments (such ashoney, sugar, salt), herbs, spices, woods, roots, and the like, or anycombination of the foregoing. Such scents are known in the art and arecommercially available.

[0059] The scent may be disposed upon the sheet of material by sprayingthe scent thereupon, painting the scent thereupon, brushing the scentthereupon, lacquering the scent thereupon, immersing the sheet ofmaterial to scent-containing gas, or any combination thereof.

[0060] The scent may be contained within a lacquer, or other liquid,before it is disposed upon the sheet of material. The scent may also becontained within a dye, ink, and/or pigment (not shown). Such dyes,inks, and pigments are known in the art, and are commercially available,and may be disposed upon or incorporated in the sheet of material by anymethod described herein or known in the art.

[0061] The decorative cover may be bonded to the article or potted plantby a bonding material. The term “bonding material” as used herein meansan adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive.Where the bonding material is a cohesive, a similar cohesive materialmust be placed on the adjacent surface for bondingly contacting andbondingly engaging with the cohesive material. The term “bondingmaterial” also includes materials which are heat sealable, sonicsealable and, vibratory sealable in these instances, the adjacentportions of the material must be brought into contact and then heat,sound waves or vibrations, respectively, must be applied to effect theseal.

[0062] The term “bonding material” as used herein also means a heatsealing lacquer which may be applied to the sheet of material and, inthis instance, heat also must be applied to effect the sealing. The term“bonding material” as used herein means any type of material or thingwhich can be used to effect the bonding or connecting of the twoadjacent portions of the material or sheet of material to effect theconnection or bonding described herein. The term “bonding material” alsoincludes ties, labels, bands, ribbons, strings, tape, staples orcombinations thereof.

[0063] The decorated article covered with a decorative cover may then beplaced in a sleeve to generally protect it during shipping. For example,a potted plant may be sleeved to preserve water and carbon dioxide forthe plant, and to protect the plant during shipping. The sleeve may bemade from an impermeable material which would retain all gases andliquids or from a semi-permeable material, such as a material whichwould allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass, but would inhibit thepassage of water through the material.

[0064] Sleeves are well known in the art of packaging potted plants. Asused herein, a sleeve is cylindrical, conical or frusto-conical in shapeand has an upper opening, which provides an opening for the deposit of apotted plant, or other article, therein. Sleeves may be comprised of anyflexible material suitable for covering a potted plant, includingmaterials selected from a group of materials, comprising paper, metal,foil cloth (natural or synthetic), denim, burlap, or polymer film, orcombinations thereof. The term polymer film as used herein means anypolymer film, including for example, but not by way of limitation,polypropylene film and cellophane. The material comprising the sleevemay be opaque, translucent, or totally or partially transparent and maybe decorated with designs or tints.

[0065] The article, after having been placed in a sleeve, may then beplaced in a container for shipping. The container, such as a box, cartonor crate, may then be sealed and marked for easy identification. Thepresent invention provides an automated line for preparing articles forshipping in the manner just described thereby saving the sellerconsiderable labor expense and reducing the preparation time requiredfor packaging articles.

[0066] In describing the preferred embodiment, a potted plant will beused as an example of the article being processed. However, as discussedabove the invention may be used on various other articles.

Embodiments of FIGS. 1-21

[0067] Turning now to FIG. 1, an article packaging system designated bythe reference numeral 10 is shown which is constructed in accordancewith the present invention. The article packaging system 10 is adaptedto transport an article from a storage location, place a decorativecover over or around the article, place the covered article in a sleeve,and pack the sleeved article in a carton for shipping.

[0068] A storage location such as a greenhouse, hereby designated by thereference numeral 12, supplies potted plants 14 (FIG. 3) for processing.The greenhouse 12 is frame covered with a material which will allow theradiant energy from the sun to reach potted plants 14 which are growninside. Such structures are common in the art. Within the greenhouse 12are growing racks 16 adapted for holding potted plants 14 while they aregrown. The greenhouse 12 may be automated by installing conveyors, 18and 20, adapted for transporting the potted plants 14 into and out ofthe greenhouse 12. Conveyors 18 and 20 may also serve as additionalgrowing racks. Each conveyor, 18 or 20, should be reversible so it mayserve to bring potted plants 14 into the greenhouse 12 or supply pottedplants 14 from the greenhouse 12. Each conveyor 18 or 20 may be similarin construction. The construction details of the conveyors are notrequired herein as they are well known to persons of ordinary skill inthe art.

[0069] As indicated in FIG. 1, a conveyor 22 extends from the greenhouse12 to a sorting station 24. The sorting station 24 may be a manualsorting station 26 (FIG. 3) or an automatic sorting station 28 (FIG. 4).The manual sorting station 26 comprises a table 30 which receives thepotted plants 14 from the conveyor 22. An operator (not shown) standingnear table 30 may select a potted plant 14, in accordance with apredetermined grading criterion such as size and grade, and place it ona conveyor assembly 32 or a conveyor assembly 34 with other pottedplants (not shown) of a similar grade. The potted plants 14 are sortedinto one of at least two grades. Conveyors 32 or 34 should begin nearthe manual sorting station 26 and transport the potted plants 14 on tothe next area for further processing.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) , the manual operator atstation 26 may select potted plants 14 directly from the conveyor 22 andgrade and place them directly from the conveyor 22 to conveyors 32 and34 thereby eliminating the need for table 30.

[0071] In the automatic sorting embodiment of FIG. 4, the automaticsorting station 28 may be any one several apparatuses for sorting thepotted plants 14. One embodiment of an automatic sorting station 28 isshown in FIG. 4 and comprises a first positioning gate 36 and a secondpositioning gate 38, a light source assembly 40, a light sensor assembly42 which is comprised of at least one sensing device such as aphotoelectric cell 43 and a support backing 44, a light switch 45 and agate 46 all located near the discharge end of conveyor 22.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the positioning gates 36 and 38are similar in construction. Each positioning gate 36 or 38 has an arm48 (FIG. 5). The arm 48 is preferably made from a strip of stainlesssteel about four to eight inches tall and of sufficient length to reachhalf way across conveyor 22. One end of the arm 48 is secured as bywelding to a rod 50. The rod 50 extends up from the arm 48 throughbearing 52, and on to motor 54. A collar 56 is secured to rod 50 abovethe bearing 52 by a set screw 58, thereby holding the arm 48 up off theupper surface of the conveyor 22. The bearing 52 is secured to a brace60 which is mounted to the side of conveyor 22.

[0073] The positioning gates 36 and 38 are secured to opposite sides ofthe conveyor 22 and they work in conjunction to release potted plants 14at regular intervals. In addition to spacing the potted plants 14 alongthe conveyor 22, the positioning gates 36 and 38 also position thepotted plants 14 generally in the center of conveyor 22. Therefore, allpotted plants 14 are positioned approximately the same distance from thelight sensor assembly 42 as they pass in front of it.

[0074] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the light source assembly 40is comprised of a housing 62 having a slot 64 formed on the sideadjacent the conveyor 22. The housing 62 is secured on one side of theconveyor 22 such that the slot 64 is on the side of the housing 62 whichfaces the conveyor 22. At least one light source 66 such as a light bulbis secured within the housing 62 so that light emitted by the lightsource 66 passes through the slot 64 and across the conveyor 22.

[0075] Directly across conveyor 22 from the light source assembly 40 isthe light sensor assembly 42.

[0076] A light switch 45 is located in front of the light sourceassembly 40 and turns on the light source 66 when a potted plant 14 isbetween the light source assembly 40 and the light sensor assembly 42.Since the potted plant 14 is between the light source assembly 40 andthe light sensor assembly 42 when the light source 66 is turned on, theamount of light reaching the light sensor assembly 42 depends the sizeand density of the foliage on the plant 14. The taller and more densethe foliage, the less light reaches light sensor assembly 42.

[0077] Gate 46 is located down stream from the light sensor assembly 42near the end of conveyor 22. The gate 46 is similar in construction topositioning gate 36. The brace 60 of gate 46 is positioned over thecenter of conveyor 22. The gate 46 is pivoted to a first position 68 orsecond position 70 depending on the amount of light hitting light sensorassembly 42. The action of gate 46 is controlled by a control assembly(not shown) which detects the degree of light detected by thephotoelectric cell 43 and responds accordingly.

[0078] While the potted plant 14 is between the light source 66 and thephotoelectric cell 43, the plant may be rotated by a rotating device(not shown). In this way light can be sensed and measured at severalpoints of rotation of the foliage of the potted plant 14, therebymeasuring an average amount of detected light which may provide a moreaccurate grading system for the foliage of the potted plants 14.Alternatively, instead of being rotated, several light readings could bemeasured at several points along the conveyor 80, for example, with thelight readings taken at different angles to the foliage, to derive anaverage of the several readings.

[0079] Directly downstream from the gate 46 is a positioning bar 72. Thepositioning bar 72 is V shaped and is positioned so the point of the Vis directly down stream from brace 60 of gate 46. A first end 74 and asecond end 76 of the bar 72 extends off a side of conveyor 22 and ontoan adjacent conveyor. First end 74 extends from conveyor 22 to conveyor34. Second end 76 extends from conveyor 22 to conveyor 32. Conveyors 32and 34, first may lead to similarly constructed processing lines andthus, only one such line is described below.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the potted plants 14can be graded on the basis of the difference between a known tare weightof the pot and soil and the weight of potted plant. If the tare weightof the pot and saturated soil contained therein is known, thismeasurement can be subtracted from weight of a potted plant havingsaturated soil. The difference in weight is an approximate measure ofthe weight of the plant. This enables the classification, or grading, ofthe potted plant 14 on the basis of the criterion of weight, rather thanof the basis of the amount of light reaching a light sensor 42, whichrepresents foliage density.

[0081] Other automatic methods of grading the potted plants 14 are touse other forms of electromagnetic radiation such as radar (not shown)or an infra-red light sensing device (not shown) which grades the plantby detecting the amount of heat the plant gives off.

[0082] The embodiment of the article processing system described hereinenvisions only a single sorting station 24 to grade the potted plants14. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the artthat additional sorting stations 24 could be located downstream ofeither conveyor assemblies 32 or 34 to provide additional grading of thepotted plants 14.

[0083] Conveyor assembly 32 moves the potted plants 14 to a coveringstation 82. The covering station 82 may be embodied in a variety ofdifferent forms as described and shown below.

[0084] In one embodiment, the covering station 82 includes a first gate84 and a second gate 86, a turnstile 88 and a cover denesting sub-unit90. The gates 84 and 86 are secured to opposite sides of the conveyor 32and work in conjunction to release potted plants 14 at regularintervals. In addition to spacing the potted plants 14 along theconveyor 32 the gates 84 and 86 also position the potted plants 14 inthe center of conveyor 32. Therefore, all potted plants 14 arepositioned to be received by the turnstile 88.

[0085] The turnstile 88 and the cover denesting sub-unit 90 may bemounted on a platform 92 with a plurality of locking casters 94 (FIG.7), thus, they may be rolled to the side and replaced with a section ofconveyor (not shown) when covering the article is not a required step.

[0086] The turnstile 88 has a conduit 98 with a first end 100 and asecond end 102. The first end 100 is secured to the platform 92. Theturnstile 88 has a turnstile axle 104 which has a first end 106 and asecond end 108. The second end 102 of the conduit 98 is open foraccepting first end 106 of the turnstile axle 104. The diameter of thefirst end 106 of the turnstile axle 104 is slightly smaller than thediameter of the lumen in the conduit 98. This allows the turnstile axle104 to rotate freely within the conduit 98.

[0087] A drive assembly mount 110 is secured near the second end 102 ofthe conduit 98. Secured to the drive assembly mount 110 is a driveassembly 112 with a rotatable shaft 114. Secured to the rotatable shaft114 is a first gear 116. A second gear 118 is secured to the turnstileaxle 104 between the first end 106 and the second end 108 thereof, andin a position such that the first gear 116 and second gear 118 mesh.

[0088] Secured near the second end 108 of the turnstile axle 104 arefour transfer assemblies 120A, 120B, 120C and 120D. Each transferassembly 120A-120D includes a carrying unit 121, a brace 122, and acylinder 123. The brace 122 has a first end 124 and a second end 125.Each carrying unit 121 comprises a first arm 126 and a second arm 128(FIGS. 6-7).

[0089] The first end 124 of the brace 122 is secured to the turnstileaxle 104 and is adapted for supporting a cylinder 123. The cylinder 123is secured to the second end 125 of the brace 122.

[0090] Secured to the cylinder 123 are the first and second arms 126 and128 of the carrying unit 121. The cylinder 123 is adapted toreciprocatingly raise and lower the carrying unit 121.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, also secured to the platform 92 isan automatic cover supplying assembly, also referred to as the coverdenesting sub-unit 90. The cover denesting sub-unit 90 includes a coverdispenser housing 130 and a cover dispenser support 132 (FIGS. 8-10)having a base 133. The cover dispenser support 132 is adapted forsupporting the cover dispenser housing 130 over the platform 92. Thecover denesting sub-unit 90 also includes a conveyor with a firstparallel belt 134 and a second parallel belt 136. The belts 134 and 136are placed around rollers 138 and 140 (FIG. 7), and are spaced apart toprovide a gap 142 lengthwise for enabling the placement of a retrievedcover into a potted plant application position.

[0092] A conveyor 144 having a first end 146 and a second end 148 isabutted at its first end 146 to the end of belts 134 and 136 in aposition to receive a cover 158 or a covered potted plant from belts 134and 136.

[0093] A suction support arm 150 is generally L shaped and is pivotallysecured at a first end 151 near the base 133 of the cover dispensersupport 132. The suction support arm 150 has a free end 153.

[0094] A cylinder 152 extends between the platform 92 and the suctionsupport arm 150 and is slidingly secured to the suction support arm 150by a bracket 154. The cylinder 152 and bracket 154 are adapted forraising the suction support arm 150 so the suction cup 156, which isconnected to the free end 153 (FIG. 8) of the suction support arm 150,is raised to a position for removing a cover 158 (FIGS. 8-10) from thecover dispenser housing 130.

[0095] Secured to the platform 92 directly below the suction support arm150 is a vacuum valve 160 and a spring 162. A vacuum line 164 extendsfrom the suction cup 156 to the vacuum valve 160 and on to a vacuumsource (not shown). Operational details of the cover denesting sub-unit90 are described below in the In Operation section.

[0096] An alternate cover denesting sub-unit (automatic cover supplyingassembly) embodiment, herein designated by the reference numeral 90A, isshown in FIG. 11. This embodiment uses an article forming system 165,such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,182, the specification ofwhich is hereby incorporated specifically herein. The article formingsystem 165 places covers on a suction cup 156A. The suction cup 156A issupported by a rod 166 which extends up between a first parallel belt134A and a second parallel belt 136A in a fashion similar to the suctionsupport arm 150 described above. This embodiment also includes a vacuumvalve 160A and a support spring 162A.

[0097] Another cover denesting sub-unit embodiment, herein designated bythe reference numeral 90B, is shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A. In thisembodiment the article processing system 165 places a cover (not shown)on a table 168, and a turnstile (not shown) then places a potted plant(not shown) into the cover (not shown) Alternatively, a potted plant maybe placed manually within the cover. A pusher assembly 170 comprised ofa cylinder 171 and a pushing arm 172 then pushes the covered pottedplant (not shown) onto the conveyor 144.

[0098] Another cover denesting sub-unit embodiment, herein designated bythe reference numeral 90C, is shown in FIG. 13. Sub-unit 90C uses afirst gate 174 and a second gate 176 to hold a cover (not shown)stationary on the moving conveyor 144. Once the potted plant (not shown)is in the cover (not shown), gates 174 and 176 open, allowing thecovered potted plant (not shown) to proceed down conveyor 144 forfurther processing.

[0099] At some point after the cover 158 has been denested andpositioned, a potted plant is placed into the interior space of thecover 158 producing a covered potted plant 180. The potted plant may beplaced into the cover 158 manually or automatically. The covered pottedplant 180 is conveyed down conveyor 144 toward the second end 148 whereit is transferred to an automatic sleeving station 184 for applicationof a sleeve about the covered potted plant 180 to form a sleeved coveredpotted plant.

[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 17-19, the sleeving station 184includes a guiding assembly comprising a first spring loaded guide 186and a second spring loaded guide 188. The spring loaded guides 186 and188 (FIG. 18) receive a covered potted plant 180 as it moves from thesecond end 148 of conveyor 144. A brace 190 is secured above the springloaded guides 186 and 188 to keep the potted plant 180 upright as itmoves in direction 192 (FIG. 17) through the spring loaded guides 186and 188. Below the guides 186 and 188 are a first wicket 194 and asecond wicket 196 for holding a plurality of sleeves such as sleeve 198(FIG. 16) and described in detail below. Each wicket 194 and 196 has afirst end 200 and a second end 202 (FIG. 19). The first end 200 issecured to a brace (not shown) and extends downwardly at an angle to apoint 206 between the first end 200 and the second end 202. From thepoint 206 to the second end 202, the wickets 194 and 196 extendhorizontally or slightly downward.

[0101] As is shown in FIGS. 14-16, each sleeve 198 has a front side 208having a height 210, and a back side 212 having a height 214. The height210 of the front side 208 of the sleeve 198 is less than the height 214of the back side 212 of the sleeve 198. Holes 216 and 218 are formed inthe upper corners of the back side 212 of each sleeve 198. Althoughsleeve 198 is shown in FIGS. 14-17 as tubular, the shape of sleeve 198may be any variety of shapes but the preferred embodiment isfrusto-conical. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, heights 210and 214 may be the same and holes 216 and 218 may extend through bothsides 208 and 212.

[0102] Referring now in particular to FIGS. 15 and 16, the wickets 194and 196 extend through the holes 216 and 218, respectively, to supportthe sleeve 198. The wickets 194 and 196 are secured so the sleeve 198 ispulled by gravity down the wickets 194 and 196 until the backside 212 ofthe sleeve 198 comes into contact with an automatic sleeve openingassembly comprising an inflator tube 220 (FIG. 16). Air exiting theinflator tube 220 opens and inflates the sleeve 198.

[0103] In an alternative embodiment of the sleeve opening assembly,suction cups (not shown) may be employed to pull open the side 208 ofthe sleeve 198 to allow the air blast from the inflator tube 220 and tomore easily access and open the sleeve 198.

[0104] As the covered potted plant 180 reaches the end 148 of theconveyor 144 and moves in direction 192 through the chute between theguides 186 and 188 and the brace 190, it is deposited into an opensleeve 198 (FIG. 19) to provide a sleeved potted plant 222 (alsoreferred to in this instance as a sleeved covered potted plant).

[0105] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the covered pottedplant 180 may be formed into a sleeved covered potted plant 222 bywrapping a sheet of sleeving material (not shown) about the coveredpotted plant automatically.

[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 20, a gripping station 230, alsoreferred to as a transfer station, is positioned to remove a sleevedpotted plant 222 from the wickets 194 and 196. The gripping station 230comprises a turnstile 234 and a first gripping arm 236 and a secondgripping arm 238. The turnstile 234 further comprises a conduit 240 witha first end 242 and a second end 244. The first end 242 is secured to abase 246. The second end 244 of the conduit 240 is open for accepting afirst end (not shown) of a turnstile axle 250. The turnstile axle 250has a first end (placed inside the conduit) and a second end 254. Thediameter of the turnstile axle 250 is slightly smaller than the diameterof the opening in the conduit 240. This allows the turnstile axle 250 torotate freely within the conduit 240.

[0107] A drive assembly bracket 256 is secured near the second end 244of the conduit 240. Secured to the drive assembly bracket 256 is a driveassembly 258 such as a motor. The drive assembly 258 has a rotatableshaft 260. Secured to the rotatable shaft 260 is a first gear 262. Asecond gear 264 is secured to the turnstile axle 250 in a position suchthat the teeth on the first gear 262 mesh with teeth of the second gear264.

[0108] Secured to the second end 254 of the turnstile axle 250 aresupport arms 266A, 266B, 266C and 266D. Each support arm 266A-266Dcomprises a first gripping arm 236 and a second gripping arm 238.Connected to each support arm 266A-266D is a cylinder 270 adapted forclosing the first gripping arm 236 and the second gripping arm 238together against the upper end of the sleeve 198 of the sleeved pottedplant 222.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment, the first gripping arm 236 includesa heating element (not shown) adapted to seal the upper position of thesleeve 198 of the sleeved potted plant 222 when the upper end iscompressed between the gripping arms 236 and 238 thereby forming asealed sleeved potted plant 272. The sealing arms 236 and 238 grasp thesealed sleeved potted plant 272 thereby freeing the sealed sleevedpotted plant 272 from the guide wickets 194 and 196. From there, thesupport arm 266 carries the sealed sleeved potted plant 272 to a placingstation 274 (FIGS. 1, 20-21). The upper portion of the sleeve 198 mayalternately be sealed by gripping arms 236 and 238 which comprise sonicelements, vibratory elements or pressure-sensitive elements.

[0110] Positioned to receive a sleeved potted plant 222 or a sealedsleeved potted plant 272 is a placing station 274 (FIGS. 20-21). Theplacing station 274 comprises a lowering arm 276, and a first pinchingarm 278 and a second pinching arm 280, and a cylinder 282.

[0111] The lowering arm 276 is reciprocatingly secured to the cylinder282 such that the lowering arm 276 may be reciprocatingly lowered andraised. The first pinching arm 278 is pivotally secured opposite thepinching arm 280 of the lowering arm 276. The pinching arms 278 and 280first receive the article 272 or 222 at receiving position 284 (FIG.21). A small cylinder 288 is secured between the lowering arm 276 andthe pinching arm 278. The cylinder 288 is adapted to allow the pinchingarms 278 and 280 to grasp and release the sealed sleeved pot 272 or thesleeved potted plant 222.

[0112] The cylinder 282 is suspended from a rail 290. The rail 290 has afirst end 292 and a second end 294. Secured to the first end 292 is amotor 296 with rotatable shaft 298. Secured to the rotatable shaft 298is a sprocket 300. On the second end 294 of the rail 290 is an idlersprocket 302. A continuous loop of chain 304 extends around the firstsprocket 300 and the second sprocket 302. The cylinder 282 is secured tothe chain 304, thus, by rotating the shaft 298, the cylinder 282 ismoved along the rail 290 to a predetermined position for lowering thegrasped sleeved potted plant 222 or the sealed sleeved potted plant 272into a box or carton 306.

[0113] A carton placing conveyor 308 is adapted to move the carton 306into position for receiving potted plants 222 or 272. Once the carton306 is full the conveyor 308 removes the carton 306 from the packingarea. Cartons, like carton 306, are supplied from carton folding station310 (FIG. 1). Many commercially available carton folders are suitable,and therefore, need not be described herein. Alternatively, cartons 306may be supplied manually.

In Operation

[0114] Articles 14, which may be potted plants as shown, for example inFIG. 3, are placed on conveyor 22, then are moved to a sorting station24 (FIG. 1). If the sorting station 24 is a manual sorting station 26such as shown in FIG. 3, an operator (not shown) will select articles 14to be packaged together, and place them on a conveyor 32 or 34 whichwill carry them to the next station.

[0115] If the sorting station 24 is the automatic sorting station 28such as shown in FIG. 4, the articles 14 will travel down conveyor 22until they come in contact with positioning gates 36 and 38. Thepositioning gates 36 and 38 will hold an article 14 until apredetermined distance 316 between it and the previous article 14 a hasbeen achieved. Once the distance 316 between the article 14 and theprevious article 14 a has been achieved, positioning gates 36 and 38will open allowing the article 14 to proceed on to the light sensor 42.

[0116] Since the positioning gates 36 and 38 open simultaneously, thearticle 14 will be centered on the conveyor 22, and thus, all articles14 will be the same distance from the light sensor assembly 42 as theypass in front of it. As the article 14 passes in front of the lightsensor assembly 42 the article 14 comes into contact with and moves alight switch 45. Movement of the light switch 45 activates the lightsource 66 in the housing 62.

[0117] Light leaving the housing 62 through slot 64 will be partiallyabsorbed and partially reflected by the article 14. Thus, the larger andmore dense the article 14, the less light will reach the photoelectriccell 43. In this way smaller or less dense articles 14 may bedistinguished from larger or denser articles 14. If the article 14 issmall the gate 46 will swing into the first position 68 and if thearticle 14 is large the gate 46 will swing into the second position 70as determined by a control assembly (not shown). As the article 14 comesinto contact with gate 46 it is directed to one side of the positioningbar 72. The positioning bar 72 further directs the article 14 onto anadjacent conveyor such as conveyor 32. Alternately, the article 14 maybe sorted after a decorative cover has been applied.

[0118] If the article 14 is to receive a decorative cover, which in thecase of a potted plant would be a flower pot cover, the covering station82 will be positioned at the end of conveyor 32. The article coveringstation 82 is mounted on a platform 92 with locking casters 94. Thus, ifno covering is required the covering station 82 may simply be rolled tothe side and a section of conveyor (not shown) may take its place.Assuming that covering is desired, any of the several embodiments may beused with ease.

[0119] In the preferred operational embodiment, the article 14 willfirst encounter the gates 84 and 86 (FIGS. 6-7). The gates 84 and 86hold the article 14 until the turnstile 88 is in position to accept thearticle 14, that is, when transfer assembly 120A is in line withconveyor 32. As soon as the article 14 has entered the arms 126 and 128,of the carrying unit 121, the carrying unit 121 is raised by cylinder123 and the turnstile 88 begins to turn in a counterclockwise direction318 (FIG. 6).

[0120] When the transfer assembly 120A is in position 316 (FIG. 6) thesuction support arm 150 is raised by the cylinder 152 (see FIG. 8). Bythe time the transfer assembly 120A has reached position 318, arm 150has been lowered by cylinder 152 suctionly bringing with it a cover 158from cover dispensing housing 130 (see FIG. 9). When transfer assembly120A reaches position 320 (FIG. 6) the turnstile 88 momentarily stopsover the cover 158 while the cylinder 124 lowers the carrying unit 121thereby lowering the article 14 into the cover 158. The weight of thearticle 14 and cover 158 depresses spring 162 thus lowering the coveredarticle 180 onto conveyor belts 134 and 136 (see FIG. 10).

[0121] As spring 162 is depressed, the vacuum valve 160 is deactivatedthereby causing the suction cup 156 to release the cover 158 andallowing the covered article 180 to rest upon the conveyor belts 134 and136. The conveyor belts 134 and 136 direct the covered article 180toward conveyor 182 (FIG. 7), and thus out of the carrying unit 121. Asthe turnstile 88 resumes rotation, and as transfer assembly 120A passesthrough position 322 (FIG. 6), cylinder 124 retracts the carrying unit121 thereby raising the first arm 126 and the second arm 128 intoposition for receiving the next article 14 from conveyor 32.

[0122] The covered article 180 is directed from belts 134 and 136 toconveyor 144 (FIG. 7), and continues to the sleeving station 184 (FIG.17). As the article reaches the second end 148 of conveyor 144 it dropsgravitationally through a pair of spring loaded guides 186 and 188 (FIG.18). A brace 190 supports the upper side of the covered article 180 asit drops from the conveyor 182 thereby maintaining the verticalpositioning of the covered article 180 as it drops. The spring loadedguides, 186 and 188, guide the covered article 180 into an opened sleeve198 (FIG. 19).

[0123] As is shown in FIG. 16, a supply of sleeves 198 is supported onwickets 194 and 196, and are gravitationally fed to the inflator tube220. The end of the inflator tube 220 comes into contact with the backside 212 (FIG. 16) of the first sleeve 198 in the supply, thus keepingthe supply of sleeves 198 from sliding down the wickets 194 and 196. Airexiting from the inflator tube 220 inflates the lower most sleeve 198 inpreparation for receiving a covered article 180. The added weight of thecovered article 180 dropping from the conveyor 182 causes the openedsleeve 198 to sag thus releasing it from the inflator tube 220 andenabling it to slide down wickets 194 and 196 to the horizontal sectionof the wickets 194 and 196 (FIG. 19). After the first sleeve 198 isremoved another sleeve 198 moves into position to be inflated. The firstsleeve 198 containing the covered article 180, now constituting asleeved covered article 222 is grasped by gripping arms 236 and 238(FIG. 19) of the gripping (transfer) station 230 (FIGS. 20 and 21).

[0124] The turnstile 234 then rotates, thus pulling the sleeve from thewicket 194 and 196. In one embodiment, as the turnstile 234 continues torotate, heating elements (not shown) in gripping arm 236 heat thegripped portions of the sleeve 198 sealing the front and the back sides,208 and 212, of the sleeve 198 of the sleeved covered article 222 (FIG.21) to form the sealed sleeved covered article 272. In one version, thesleeve 198 is not sealed over the sleeved covered article 222. As theturnstile 234 rotates 180 degrees to a position 284, the gripping arms236 and 238, still carrying the unsealed article 222 or the sealedarticle 272 (as the case may be), move between the pinching arm 278 andthe pinching arm 280 of the placing station 274 (FIGS. 20-21).

[0125] Once the gripping arms 236 and 238 are between the pinching arm278 and pinching arm 280, the pinching arms 278 and 280 close to pinchthe sleeve of the sleeved covered article 222 or of the sealed sleevedcovered article 272 (as the case may be) and the sealing arms 236 and238 are opened slightly, thus the article 222 or 272 is now held by thepinching arms 278 and 280 of the placing station 274. Immediatelythereafter the cylinder 282 is pulled along a rail 290 via motor 296 andchain 304 (FIGS. 20-21) from position 284 to position 326 and thearticle 222 or 272 is lowered into carton 306. The pinching arms 278 and280 are then released and the lifting arm 276 is raised and returned toposition 284 to accept the next article 222 or 272.

[0126] Each article 222 or 272 is received and placed in the carton 306.Placing of the article 222 or 272 in the carton 306 may be manually orautomatically controlled (control means not shown). The conveyor 308moves as necessary to allow placing of the articles 222 or 272 in thecarton 306.

[0127] This cycle repeats until the carton 306 is full. At that timeconveyor 308 carries away the full carton 306 and replaces it with a newcontainer 306. The full carton 306 eventually reaches the carton closingstation 330 (FIG. 1) and then the carton labeling station 332 (FIG. 1)where machines of construction well known to those of ordinary skill inthe art close and label the carton 306. The carton 306 is then ready forshipment.

Embodiments of FIGS. 22-34

[0128] Attention is now directed to the article packaging systemdesignated by the reference numeral 350 and represented in FIGS. 22 and23. The packaging system 350 is a processing line for sorting articles,for example in this case potted plants 352, according to size, quality,or other criteria and then for processing and packaging the processedplants. The system 350 would automatically place a covered potted plantinto a protective sleeve and would then place the sleeved pot into a boxor carton for shipping and distribution.

[0129] In overview, the article packaging system 350 comprises a servicestation 356 having a platform or table 358 serving to support a set ofunsorted potted plants 352. A sorting station 360 employs a sorter whichinspects the potted plants 352 and sorts them in accordance withpredetermined criteria such as size, quality or variety or any number ofother criteria. The sorting station 360 may be manually operated likethe sorting station 26 described herein or it may operate automatically,for example, like the automatic sorting station 28 described herein.

[0130] A cover supplying station 362 comprises an automatic coversupplying assembly 364 for selecting a pot cover 366 and placing the potcover 366 in an application position for receiving a potted plant 352thereby forming a covered potted plant 368. The covered potted plant 368is then placed on a conveyor 370.

[0131] A sleeving station 372 constructed much the same as sleevingstation 184 described herein is downstream of the conveyor 370 andcomprises an apparatus for applying a protective sleeve 374 to thecovered potted plant 368 to form a sleeved covered potted plant 376. Thesleeved covered potted plant 376 is placed onto a conveyor 378 forfurther processing. A gate station 380 is a gate 382 which serves todivert the sleeved covered potted plants 376 to a separate first lane382 and a separate second lane 384 of the conveyor 378 in preparationfor being placed in a carton. A gathering station 386 is a first gate388 and a second gate 390 for stopping and accumulating the sleevedplants 376 in preparation for boxing. In an alternative embodimenteither the gate station 380 or the gathering station 386, or bothstations 380 and 386, are optional.

[0132] A carton feeding station 394 comprises a conveyor 396 forconveying or feeding in direction 398 boxes or cartons 400 which willreceive the sleeved plants 376. A boxing station 404 pushes or conveys,the sleeved plants 376 into an empty carton 400 for shipping. A closingstation 408, if present, serves to close and secure by taping, gluing orstapling each full carton 402 in preparation for shipping. The closingstation 408 could be automatic or could be manually operated. Allstations from the cover supplying station 362 to, the closing station408, inclusive, comprise a single processing stream of the packagingsystem 350. The packaging system 350 may comprise a second processingstream 396 for processing other potted plants sorted at the secondstation 360.

Embodiments of Cover Supplying Stations

[0133] Turning now to FIGS. 28A-28B, the apparatus comprising the coversupplying station 362 is described in more detail. The cover supplyingassembly 364 is an apparatus having a denesting arm 416 for denesting apot cover 366 from a bin 418 and transferring the pot cover 366 to areceiving position 420 for receiving a potted plant 422. The denestingarm 416 has a grasping end 424 and a pivoting end 426. The grasping end424 has a shape adapted to fit around the base 428 of a pot cover 366resting in a bin 418 of pot covers 366. The grasping end 424 grasps thebase 428 of the pot cover 366, in the preferred embodiment by asuctioning mechanism 430 and disengages the pot cover 366 from the bin418 of pot covers 366. The arm 416, now carrying a pot cover 366, pivotsin direction 432 to a position over a conveyor. The suction from thesuctioning mechanism 430 is removed, thereby releasing the pot cover 366and placing the pot cover 366 on the conveyor 370 in preparation forreceiving a potted plant 422. The conveyor 370 may be equipped withguide walls 434 to guide the pot cover to a gate 436 to restrain the potcover in a stationary position. At this position, a pot is disposedwithin the pot cover 366 to form a covered potted plant 368.

[0134] The gate 436 is opened. The covered potted plant 368 is releasedtherefrom and travels in direction 438 down the conveyor 370 to the nextstation. Meanwhile, the denesting arm 416 is pivoted away in direction440 and is returned to a position to retrieve the next pot cover 366.

[0135] Another denesting embodiment of the cover supplying station 362,illustrated in FIGS. 29A-29B, comprises a cover supplying assembly 364 ahaving a denesting arm 416 a for denesting from a bin 418 andtransferring the pot cover 366 to a receiving position 420 a forreceiving a potted plant 422. In this embodiment the grasping end 424 ofthe arm 416 a comprises a suction cup 424 a which places a suction onthe outer bottom 442 of the base 428 of the pot cover 366. The denestingarm 416 a pivots away from the bin 418, and the pot cover 366 is removedfrom the bin 418 and carried to a conveyor assembly 444.

[0136] The conveyor assembly 444 comprises a first parallel belt 446 anda second parallel belt 448 having a gap extending lengthwisetherebetween. The grasping end 424 with the suction cup 424 a isdisposed in the gap 450 between the parallel belts 446 and 448 of theconveyor assembly 444. As the bottom 442 of the pot cover 366 approachesthe conveyor assembly 444, the suction from the suction cup 424 a isreleased and, as the grasping arm 424 continues its downward motion, thepot cover 366 is rested gently on the conveyor assembly 444 and iscarried by the belts 446 and 448 in direction 452 through the guidewalls 434 to a gate 436.

[0137] At gate 436, the pot cover 366 is held stationary while a pottedplant 422 is disposed manually or automatically, within the pot cover366, thereby providing a covered potted plant 368. The denesting arm 416a is then available to retrieve another pot cover 366. The coversupplying assemblies 364 and 364 a may be equipped with sensors (notshown) to regulate and control the operation of the denesting arms 416and 416 a and of the conveyor assemblies 370 and 444 and gates 436.

Embodiments of Sleeving Stations

[0138] Turning now to FIGS. 24A-D, the sleeving apparatus 460 of thesleeving station 372 will be described. The sleeving apparatus 460comprises a sleeve support assembly comprising a first wicket 462 and asecond wicket 464 which bear a set of sleeves 466. The sleevingapparatus 460 is the same as the sleeving station 484 described hereinexcept for the modifications described herein. Each wicket 462 and 464extends horizontally for a distance, then bends downward diagonally. Thesleeving apparatus 460 further comprises a suctioning tube 468 whichapplies a suction to a first side 470 of a sleeve 466 for loosening andseparating the first side 470 from the second side 472 of the sleeve 466to provide an opening 474 at the upper end of the sleeve 466 (FIG. 24A).

[0139] Air is forced into the opening 474 of the sleeve 466 from aninflator tube 476 and the sleeve 466 is thereby sufficiently inflated toreceive a potted plant. The inflator tube is retracted in direction byan inflator cylinder or by another retracting device (FIG. 24B). Acovered potted plant 368 is then deposited into the open sleeve 466. Thecovered potted plant 368 may be automatically deposited to the sleeve466 via a mechanism similar to that described by FIGS. 17-18 above forthe sleeving station 184 described previously. Alternatively, thecovered potted plant 368 may be deposited into the sleeve 466 manuallyby an operator. Alternatively, a potted plant 422 without a cover 366may be inserted into the sleeve 466, thereby bypassing the coversupplying assembly 364.

[0140] The suction tube 468 is then retracted into the suction cylinder478. The resulting sleeved covered potted plant 480 will then slide viagravity down the wickets 462 and 464 in direction 482 to a position 484over the conveyor 378 (FIG. 24C) . The sleeved potted plant 480 mayslide onto the conveyor 378 and, by the friction of the conveyor 378underneath the bottom 442 of the base 428 of the sleeved potted plant480, be carried by the conveyor 378 away from the sleeving station 372.

[0141] Alternatively, the sleeving station apparatus 460 may be equippedwith a disengaging assembly comprising an extendable pushing arm 486 topush the sleeved potted plant 480 in direction 485 off the wickets 462and 464 onto the conveyor 378 (FIG. 24D) the sleeved potted plant 480 isthereby conveyed upon the conveyor 378 downstream and is ultimatelypacked into a carton 400. The extendable pushing arm 486 is thenretracted by a pushing arm cylinder 488 in preparation for the nextsleeved potted plant 480. Operation of the sleeving station 372 may beregulated by sensing devices (not shown) opening the sleeve 466 inpreparation for depositing a potted plant therein and for maintaining aneven and regulated flow of sleeved potted plants 480 on the conveyor378.

[0142] The components of the sleeving apparatus embodiments areillustrated in FIGS. 15-19 and 24A-27B as isolated. However, it will beappreciated and understood by one skilled in the art that the componentscould be easily and completely attached and assembled together to form aunified apparatus.

Embodiments of the Boxing Stations

[0143] Referring now to FIGS. 25-26, the sleeved potted plants 480 maybe boxed at a boxing station 404 immediately after leaving the sleevingstation 372. In one embodiment, the boxing station 404 comprises aboxing assembly 500 and an extendable automatic pushing arm 502 which,while pushing the sleeved potted plant 480 off the wickets 462 and 464,proceeds to push the sleeved potted plant 480 in direction 504 into anopen-sided box or carton 400 resting on an adjacent conveying system 506(FIG. 25). Once the carton 400 is filled, the filled carton 402 ispassed to the closing station 408 for closing and securing. The pushingarm 502 is retracted by a retracting cylinder 508 in preparation foranother sleeved potted plant 480.

[0144] In another embodiment of the boxing station 404, a boxingassembly 510 has a pivotable automatic gripping arm 512 having agripping end 514 (FIG. 26). The gripping end 514 of the gripping arm 512grips an upper portion 516 of the sleeved potted plant 480. The grippingarm 512 is retractable by a cylinder 518 attached to a pivoting brace520. The brace 520 is pivoted in direction 522 to a position over acarton 400 a having an open upper side and the gripping arm 512 lowersthe sleeved potted plant 480 into the box 400 a. The carton 400 a canthen be closed and secured for shipping. Alternatively, rather thanhaving the gripper arm 512 move the sleeved potted plant 480 to aspecific location in the box 400 a, the gripper arm 512 may only liftthe sleeved potted plant 480 and, the box 400 a itself may beautomatically moved beneath the lifted potted plant 480 to be properlypositioned to accept the package lowered thereinto.

[0145] Another embodiment of a boxing assembly is designated by thereference numeral 530 and is shown in FIG. 33. Sleeved potted plants 480are individually directed into an open-sided carton 400 with a pushingarm 532 in direction 534. Sensors (not shown) detect the positions ofthe sleeved potted plants 480 already within the carton 400 and regulatethe action of the pushing arm 532. Once the carton 400 is filled, thecarton 400 is closed and secured and moved in direction 536 on theconveyor 396 for shipping. An empty open-sided carton 400 is deliveredas a replacement, in one embodiment by an automatic boxing deliveryassembly. The extendable pushing arm 532 is indicated in FIG. 33 asbeing driven by a cylinder 538 but it is understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that there are other mechanisms for causing theadvancement and retraction of the pushing arm 532.

Preinsertion of Cover into Sleeve

[0146] Turning now to FIGS. 27A-B and 30A-D, instead of the potted plant422 being covered by a pot cover 366 prior to insertion into the sleeve466, the pot cover 366 may be preinserted into the sleeve 466 prior todeposition of the potted plant 422 into the pot cover 366. FIG. 27Aindicates that the sleeve 466 is opened in a manner identical to thatdescribed for sleeving apparatus 460 in FIG. 24A. The pot cover 366 isthen inserted in direction 550 into the opening 474 of the sleeve 466.The suction tube 468 and inflation tube 476 are retracted and the pottedplant 422 is deposited in direction 550 into cover/sleeve combination552 in the same manual or automatic manner as that described previously.The sleeved covered potted plant 376 then is conveyed by the conveyor378 to the boxing station 404.

[0147] The pot cover 366 may be placed manually into the sleeve 466, butin the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 30A-30D, a cover supplyingapparatus 364 b has a retractable cover denesting arm 554 having asuction end 556. The suction end 556 of the denesting arm 554 retrievesa pot cover 366 from a bin 418 b of pot covers 366 (FIG. 30A). Thedenesting arm 554 is retracted by a cylinder 558 to remove the pot cover366 (FIG. 30B) from the bin 418 a. The pot cover 366 is transferred tothe sleeving station 372 (FIG. 30C) and is inserted into the previouslyopened sleeve 374 (FIG. 30D). Suction is removed from the suction end556 therein releasing the pot cover 366. The denesting arm 554 isretracted, leaving the pot cover 366 within the sleeve 374 and inreadiness for insertion of a potted plant 422 therein using meansdescribed herein.

Embodiments of FIGS. 31-32

[0148] Turning now to FIGS. 31 and 32, another embodiment of the articlepackaging system is designated by the reference numeral 564. The articlepackaging system 564 has stations exactly as described for articlepackaging system 350 as described in FIGS. 22-30 and 33 except thatarticle packaging system 564 employs the same cover supplying apparatus,the same sleeving apparatus and the same boxing and closing devices forall categories of potted plants sorted at the sorting station. Theadvantage of the article packaging system 564 over the article packagingsystem 350 is that a single device performs each particular functionsuch as sleeving for all grades or categories. Since duplicateapparatuses are not required for each function, the cost and the spacerequired for the overall system is reduced.

[0149] The article packaging system 564, as shown in FIG. 31, has aplatform or table 566 serving as a servicing station 568 supporting aset of unsorted potted plants. A sorting station 570, employs a sorter(not shown) of the same type a packaging system 350 which inspectspotted plants 572 and sorts them in accordance with predeterminedcriteria such as size, quality, or variety or any of a number of othercriteria. The sorter directs each sorted potted plant 572 to either afirst parallel conveyor 574 or a second parallel conveyor 576. Pottedplants 572 of a particular category are then accumulated on conveyor 574by a restraining gate 578 or on conveyor 576 by restraining gate 580until a predetermined number of the type of potted plant 572 isaccumulated. When the predetermined number of sorted potted plants 572is accumulated, the appropriate gate is opened.

[0150] The potted plants 572 are then conveyed to a covering station 584where a cover supplying apparatus 586 supplies a cover 588 and whereinthe cover 588 is applied to the potted plant 572. Each covered pottedplant 590 in a particular category is then conveyed to a sleevingstation 592 where the covered potted plant 590 is deposited into asleeve (not shown) in a manner exactly as described herein for articlepackaging system 350 and its various embodiments. Sleeved potted plants594 thus produced are then conveyed to a boxing station 596 such as theboxing station 404 or its other embodiments described for system 350where the sleeved potted plants 594 are placed in cartons 400 which arethen closed and secured for shipment.

[0151]FIG. 32 shows a version of the article packaging system 564 havinga first conveyor 600 a, a second conveyor 600 b and a third conveyor 600c which lead to the single sleeving station 592. The single sleevingstation 592 has rollers 601 and can be rolled or moved in direction 602or direction 604 between the three conveyors 600 a, 600 b and 600 cmanually or automatically for the purpose of supplying sleeves 606 tothe potted plants 572 or covered potted plants 590 conveyed thereupon.In this way a single sleeving station 592 can supply sleeves 606 to morethan one conveyor 600 a, 600 b or 600 c and category of potted plant 572to reduce the cost and space required for the system 564.

[0152] Alternatively, rather than having a plurality of separateconveyors such as conveyors 600 a-600 c conveying potted plants 572 tothe sleeving station 592, a single conveyor having a plurality ofparallel lanes (not shown) could be used. Each parallel lane would havea separately regulated gate (not shown) for allowing accumulation andpassage to the sleeving station 592 of a predetermined number of pottedplants 572 or covered potted plants 590.

[0153] The single sleeving station indicated in FIG. 32 is shown ashaving separate conveyors 608 a-608 c for conveying the sleeved pottedplants 590 to the appropriate boxing station 596. Each conveyor 608a-608 c could direct the sleeved potted plants 594 to a single conveyor(not shown) leading to a single boxing station. Alternatively, eachsleeved potted plant conveyor 608 a-608 c could direct the sleevedpotted plants 594 to a separate boxing station 596.

[0154] As described herein for article packaging system 350, the articlepackaging system 564 could be modified in a number of ways. For example,the pot cover 588 could be applied to the potted plant 572 prior toaccumulation on conveyor 574 or 576 by gates 578 or 580, respectfully.Or, the pot cover 588 could be placed into the open sleeve 606 prior tothe introduction of the potted plant 572 into the sleeve 606, asindicated in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 27A-B.

Embodiments of FIG. 34

[0155] Referring now to FIG. 34, another embodiment of the articlepackaging system referred to by the reference numeral 610 isillustrated. The article packaging system 610 is constructed exactly asdescribed for article packaging systems 10, 350, or 564 or modificationsthereof except that a decorative pot cover is directly formed about theouter surface of a potted plant 612 using an appressing cover formingapparatus such as a cover forming apparatus 614 to form a covered pottedplant 616 at a point prior to application of a sleeve to the pottedplant 612. The cover forming apparatus 614 appresses a sheet of material(not shown) about the external surface of the potted plant 612 to form acovered potted plant 616 having a cover which may or may not be bondedto the potted plants external surfaces as described herein.

[0156] The cover forming apparatus 614 which could be used for exampleis one described in the patent application filed in the U.S. P.T.O. onAug. 10, 1992 by Donald Weder, Joseph Straeter and Frank Craig, entitled“Cover Forming Apparatus Having Pivoting Forming Members”, and not yetassigned a serial number, the specification of which is herebyspecifically incorporated herein. This does not exclude the use of othertypes of cover forming apparatuses adapted for forming a cover about theouter surface of a potted plant to form the covered potted plant 616.

[0157] After the potted plant has been covered by the cover formingapparatus 614, the covered potted plant 616 is transferred to a conveyor618 moving in direction 620 toward a sleeving station exactly the sameas other sleeving stations previously described herein. The relocationof the covered potted plant 616 from the cover forming apparatus 614 canbe accomplished manually or automatically such as by a transfer device620 having an extendable pushing arm 622 or by some other device adaptedfor moving the covered potted plant 616 to a conveyor 618.

[0158] Changes may be made in the combinations, operations andarrangements of the various parts and elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of packaging an article comprising thesteps of: providing an article having an exterior surface; applying acover about the exterior surface of the article to form a coveredarticle; providing an automatic sleeving means for automaticallyapplying a sleeve to the covered article; conveying the article to theautomatic sleeving means; and automatically applying a sleeve about thecovered article to form a sleeved covered article.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein in the step of providing an article, the article furthercomprises a potted plant.
 3. The method of claim 1 comprising after thestep of providing the article the additional step of sorting the articleinto one of at least two grades in accordance with a predeterminedgrading criterion.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of sortingthe article occurs before the step of applying the cover.
 5. The methodof claim 3 wherein the step of sorting the article occurs after the stepof applying the cover.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein the step ofsorting the article comprises using automatic sorting means to sort thearticle.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying the coverabout the article is preceded by conveying the article via an articleconveying means to a cover applying station wherein the cover is appliedabout the article.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the cover is apreformed cover having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and aninterior space adjacent and surrounded by the interior surface.
 9. Themethod of claim 8 wherein in the step of applying the cover to thearticle, the article is automatically deposited into the interior spaceof the cover.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein in the step of applyingthe cover to the article, the article is manually deposited into theinterior space of the cover.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein in thestep of applying the cover, the cover is a preformed cover provided byautomatic cover supplying means which retrieves the cover from a set ofpreformed covers and places the cover in an article applicationposition.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying a coveris preceded by the step of providing a cover which has been formed by amold type cover forming means, wherein after the cover is formed, thecover is placed in an article application position for application tothe article.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein in the step of applyingthe cover to the article, the cover is applied about the exteriorsurface of the article by an appressing cover forming means whichappresses a sheet of material about the external surface of the articleto form the cover.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the cover formingmeans comprises a plurality of pivoting members which act together toappress the sheet of material about the external surface of the article.15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of applying a cover furthercomprises bonding the cover to the exterior surface of the article. 16.The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying a cover furthercomprises bonding the cover to the exterior surface of the article. 17.The method of claim 1 wherein the step of conveying the article furthercomprises conveying the article on automatic conveying means.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 wherein the automatic conveying means furthercomprises a conveyor belt.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein theautomatic sleeving means comprises means for automatically opening thesleeve to provide an open sleeve for receiving the covered article. 20.The method of claim 19 wherein the step of automatically applying asleeve further comprises automatically depositing the covered articleinto the open sleeve.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the coveredarticle is automatically deposited into the open sleeve by passing thecovered article through a guiding means.
 22. The method of claim 1wherein the step of automatically applying a sleeve comprises wrapping asheet of sleeving material about the covered article to form a sleevedcovered article.
 23. The method of claim 1 comprising the additionalstep of sealing an upper portion of the sleeve of the sleeved coveredarticle.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises using an automatic sealing device.
 25. The method of claim 23wherein the step of sealing further comprises heat sealing.
 26. Themethod of claim 23 wherein the step of sealing further comprises sonicsealing.
 27. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises vibratory sealing.
 28. The method of claim 23 wherein the stepof sealing further comprises pressure-sensitive sealing.
 29. The methodof claim 1 further comprising the additional step of providing atransfer means for engaging the sleeved covered article for conveyingthe sleeved covered article to a boxing station.
 30. The method of claim29 wherein the transfer means further comprises an automatic pushingmeans.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein the transfer means furthercomprises an automatic gripping means.
 32. A method of packaging apotted plant comprising the steps of: providing a potted plant having anexterior surface; applying a cover about the exterior surface of thepotted plant to form a covered potted plant; providing an automaticsleeving means for automatically applying a sleeve to the covered pottedplant; conveying the potted plant to the automatic sleeving means; andautomatically applying a sleeve about the covered potted plant to form asleeved covered potted plant.
 33. The method of claim 32 wherein in thestep of providing a potted plant, the potted plant further comprises aliving potted plant.
 34. The method of claim 32 comprising after thestep of providing the potted plant the additional step of sorting thepotted plant into one of at least two grades in accordance with apredetermined grading criterion.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein thestep of sorting the potted plant occurs before the step of applying thecover.
 36. The method of claim 34 wherein the step of sorting the pottedplant occurs after the step of applying the cover.
 37. The method ofclaim 34 wherein the step of sorting the potted plant comprises usingautomatic sorting means to sort the potted plant.
 38. The method ofclaim 32 wherein the step of applying the cover about the potted plantis preceded by conveying the potted plant via a conveying means to acover applying station wherein the cover is applied about the pottedplant.
 39. The method of claim 32 wherein the cover is a preformed coverhaving an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an interior spaceadjacent and surrounded by the interior surface.
 40. The method of claim39 wherein in the step of applying the cover to the potted plant, thepotted plant is automatically deposited into the interior space of thecover.
 41. The method of claim 39 wherein in the step of applying thecover to the potted plant, the potted plant is manually deposited intothe interior space of the cover.
 42. The method of claim 39 wherein inthe step of applying the cover, the cover is a preformed cover providedby automatic cover supplying means which retrieves the cover from a setof preformed covers and places the cover in an application position. 43.The method of claim 32 wherein the step of applying a cover is precededby the step of providing a cover which has been formed by a mold typecover forming means, wherein after the cover is formed, the cover isplaced in an application position for application to the potted plant.44. The method of claim 32 wherein in the step of applying the cover tothe potted plant, the cover is applied about the exterior surface of thepotted plant by an appressing cover forming means which appresses asheet of material about the external surface of the potted plant to formthe cover.
 45. The method of claim 44 wherein the cover forming meanscomprises a plurality of pivoting members which act together to appressthe sheet of material about the external surface of the potted plant.46. The method of claim 45 wherein the step of applying a cover furthercomprises bonding the cover to the exterior surface of the potted plant.47. The method of claim 32 wherein the step of applying a cover furthercomprises bonding the cover to the exterior surface of the potted plant.48. The method of claim 32 wherein the step of conveying the pottedplant further comprises conveying the potted plant on automaticconveying means.
 49. The method of claim 48 wherein the automaticconveying means further comprises a conveyor belt.
 50. The method ofclaim 32 wherein the automatic sleeving means comprises means forautomatically opening the sleeve to provide an open sleeve for receivingthe covered potted plant.
 51. The method of claim 50 wherein the step ofautomatically applying a sleeve further comprises automaticallydepositing the covered potted plant into the open sleeve.
 52. The methodof claim 51 wherein the covered potted plant is automatically depositedinto the open sleeve by passing the covered potted plant through aguiding means.
 53. The method of claim 32 wherein the step ofautomatically applying a sleeve comprises wrapping a sheet of sleevingmaterial about the covered potted plant to form a sleeved covered pottedplant.
 54. The method of claim 32 comprising the additional step ofsealing an upper portion of the sleeve of the sleeved covered pottedplant.
 55. The method of claim 54 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises using an automatic sealing device.
 56. The method of claim 54wherein the step of sealing further comprises heat sealing.
 57. Themethod of claim 54 wherein the step of sealing further comprises sonicsealing.
 58. The method of claim 54 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises vibratory sealing.
 59. The method of claim 55 wherein the stepof sealing further comprises pressure-sensitive sealing.
 60. The methodof claim 32 further comprising the additional step of providing atransfer means for engaging the sleeved covered plant and placing thesleeved covered plant into a carton.
 61. The method of claim 60 whereinthe transfer means further comprises an automatic pushing means.
 62. Themethod of claim 60 wherein the transfer means further comprises anautomatic gripping means.
 63. A method of packaging a potted plantcomprising the steps of: providing a potted plant having an exteriorsurface; automatically supplying a cover for application about theexterior of the potted plant; applying the cover about the exteriorsurface of the potted plant to form a covered potted plant; providing anautomatic sleeving means for automatically applying a sleeve to thecovered potted plant; conveying the potted plant to the automaticsleeving means; and automatically applying a sleeve about the coveredpotted plant to form a sleeved covered potted plant.
 64. The method ofclaim 63 wherein in the step of providing a potted plant, the pottedplant further comprises a living potted plant.
 65. The method of claim63 comprising after the step of providing the potted plant theadditional step of sorting the potted plant into one of at least twogrades in accordance with a predetermined grading criterion.
 66. Themethod of claim 65 wherein the step of sorting the potted plant occursbefore the steps of appling the cover.
 67. The method of claim 65wherein the step of sorting the potted plant occurs after the step ofapplying the cover.
 68. The method of claim 65 wherein the step ofsorting the potted plant comprises using automatic sorting means to sortthe potted plant.
 69. The method of claim 63 wherein the step ofapplying the cover about the potted plant is preceded by conveying thepotted plant via a conveying means to a cover applying station whereinthe cover is applied about the potted plant.
 70. The method of claim 63wherein the cover is a preformed cover having an interior surface, anexterior surface, and an interior space adjacent and surrounded by theinterior surface.
 71. The method of claim 70 wherein in the step ofapplying the cover to the potted plant, the potted plant isautomatically deposited into the interior space of the cover.
 72. Themethod of claim 70 wherein in the step of applying the cover to thepotted plant, the potted plant is manually deposited into the interiorspace of the cover.
 73. The method of claim 70 wherein in the step ofautomatically supplying the cover, the cover is a preformed coverprovided by automatic cover supplying means which automaticallyretrieves the cover and places the cover in an application position. 74.The method of claim 73 wherein the step of supplying a cover is precededby the step of forming a cover by a mold type cover forming means. 75.The method of claim 63 wherein the step of applying a cover furthercomprises bonding the cover to the exterior surface of the potted plant.76. The method of claim 63 wherein the step of conveying the pottedplant further comprises conveying the potted plant on automaticconveying means.
 77. The method of claim 76 wherein the automaticconveying means further comprises a conveyor belt.
 78. The method ofclaim 63 wherein the automatic sleeving means comprises means forautomatically opening the sleeve to provide an open sleeve for receivingthe covered potted plant.
 79. The method of claim 78 wherein the step ofautomatically applying a sleeve further comprises automaticallydepositing the covered potted plant into the open sleeve.
 80. The methodof claim 79 wherein the covered potted plant is automatically depositedinto the open sleeve by passing the covered potted plant through aguiding means.
 81. The method of claim 63 wherein the step ofautomatically applying a sleeve comprises wrapping a sheet of sleevingmaterial about the covered potted plant to form a sleeved covered pottedplant.
 82. The method of claim 63 comprising the additional step ofsealing an upper portion of the sleeve of the sleeved covered pottedplant.
 83. The method of claim 82 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises using an automatic sealing device.
 84. The method of claim 82wherein the step of sealing further comprises heat sealing.
 85. Themethod of claim 82 wherein the step of sealing further comprises sonicsealing.
 86. The method of claim 82 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises vibratory sealing.
 87. The method of claim 82 wherein the stepof sealing further comprises pressure-sensitive sealing.
 88. The methodof claim 63 further comprising the additional step of providing atransfer means for engaging the sleeved covered plant and placing thesleeved covered plant into a carton.
 89. The method of claim 88 whereinthe transfer means further comprises an automatic pushing means.
 90. Themethod of claim 88 wherein the transfer means further comprises anautomatic gripping means.
 91. A method of packaging a potted plantcomprising the steps of providing a potted plant having an exteriorsurface; providing automatic covering means for automatically applying acover to the potted plant; automatically applying the cover about theexterior surface of the potted plant to form a covered potted plant;providing an automatic sleeving means for automatically applying asleeve to the covered potted plant; conveying the potted plant to theautomatic sleeving means; and automatically applying a sleeve about thecovered potted plant to form a sleeved covered potted plant.
 92. Themethod of claim 91 wherein in the step of providing a potted plant, thepotted plant further comprises a living potted plant.
 93. The method ofclaim 91 comprising after the step of providing the potted plant theadditional step of sorting the potted plant into one of at least twogrades in accordance with a predetermined grading criterion.
 94. Themethod of claim 93 wherein the step of sorting the potted plant occursbefore the step of applying the cover.
 95. The method of claim 93wherein the step of sorting the potted plant occurs after the step ofapplying the cover.
 96. The method of claim 93 wherein the step ofsorting the potted plant comprises using automatic sorting means to sortthe potted plant.
 97. The method of claim 91 wherein the cover is apreformed cover having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and aninterior space adjacent and surrounded by the interior surface.
 98. Themethod of claim 91 wherein in the step of automatically applying thecover to the potted plant, the cover is applied about the exteriorsurface of the potted plant by a cover forming means which appresses asheet of material about the external surface of the potted plant to formthe cover.
 99. The method of claim 91 wherein the automatic coveringmeans comprises an apparatus having a plurality of pivoting memberswhich act together to appress the sheet of material about the externalsurface of the potted plant.
 100. The method of claim 99 wherein thestep of applying a cover further comprises bonding the cover to theexterior surface of the potted plant.
 101. The method of claim 91wherein the step of automatically applying a cover further comprisesbonding the cover to the exterior surface of the potted plant.
 102. Themethod of claim 91 wherein the step of conveying the potted plantfurther comprises conveying the potted plant on automatic conveyingmeans.
 103. The method of claim 102 wherein the automatic conveyingmeans further comprises a conveyor belt.
 104. The method of claim 91wherein the automatic sleeving means comprises means for automaticallyopening the sleeve to provide an open sleeve for receiving the coveredpotted plant.
 105. The method of claim 104 wherein the step ofautomatically applying a sleeve further comprises automaticallydepositing the covered potted plant into the open sleeve.
 106. Themethod of claim 105 wherein the covered potted plant is automaticallydeposited into the open sleeve by passing the covered potted plantthrough a guiding means.
 107. The method of claim 91 wherein the step ofautomatically applying a sleeve comprises wrapping a sheet of sleevingmaterial about the covered potted plant to form a sleeved covered pottedplant.
 108. The method of claim 91 comprising the additional step ofsealing an upper portion of the sleeve of the sleeved covered pottedplant.
 109. The method of claim 108 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises using an automatic sealing device.
 110. The method of claim108 wherein the step of sealing further comprises heat sealing.
 111. Themethod of claim 108 wherein the step of sealing further comprises sonicsealing.
 112. The method of claim 108 wherein the step of sealingfurther comprises vibratory sealing.
 113. The method of claim 108wherein the step of sealing further comprises pressure-sensitivesealing.
 114. The method of claim 91 further comprising the additionalstep of providing a transfer means for engaging the sleeved coveredplant and placing the sleeved covered plant into a carton.
 115. Themethod of claim 114 wherein the transfer means further comprises anautomatic pushing means.
 116. The method of claim 114 wherein thetransfer means further comprises an automatic gripping means.
 117. Amethod of packaging a potted plant comprising the steps of: providing apotted plant, the potted plant having an exterior surface; sorting thepotted plant into one of at least two grades in accordance with apredetermined grading criterion to form a sorted potted plant; applyinga cover about the exterior surface of the sorted potted plant to form acovered potted plant; providing an automatic sleeving means forautomatically applying a sleeve to the covered potted plant; conveyingthe potted plant to the automatic sleeving means; and automaticallyapplying a sleeve about the covered potted plant to form a sleevedcovered potted plant.
 118. The method of claim 117 wherein in the stepof providing a potted plant, the potted plant further comprises a livingpotted plant.
 119. The method of claim 117 wherein the step of sortingthe potted plant occurs before the step of applying the cover.
 120. Themethod of claim 117 wherein the step of sorting the potted plant occursafter the step of applying the cover.
 121. The method of claim 117wherein the step of sorting the potted plant comprises using automaticsorting means to sort the potted plant.
 122. The method of claim 117wherein the step of sorting the potted plant comprises manually sortingthe potted plant.
 123. The method of claim 117 wherein the step ofapplying the cover about the potted plant is preceded by conveying thepotted plant via a conveying means to a cover applying station whereinthe cover is applied about the potted plant.
 124. The method of claim117 wherein the cover is a preformed cover having an interior surface,an exterior surface, and an interior space adjacent and surrounded bythe interior surface.
 125. The method of claim 124 wherein in the stepof applying the cover to the potted plant, the potted plant isautomatically deposited into the interior space of the cover.
 126. Themethod of claim 124 wherein in the step of applying the cover to thepotted plant, the potted plant is manually deposited into the interiorspace of the cover.
 127. The method of claim 124 wherein in the step ofapplying the cover, the cover is a preformed cover provided by automaticcover supplying means which retrieves the cover from a set of preformedcovers and places the cover in an application position.
 128. The methodof claim 117 wherein the step of applying a cover is preceded by thestep of providing a cover which has been formed by a mold type coverforming means, wherein after the cover is formed, the cover is placed inan application position for application to the potted plant.
 129. Themethod of claim 117 wherein in the step of applying the cover to thepotted plant, the cover is applied about the exterior surface of thepotted plant by an oppressing cover forming means which appresses asheet of material about the external surface of the potted plant to formthe cover.
 130. The method of claim 129 wherein the cover forming meanscomprises a plurality of pivoting members which act together to appressthe sheet of material about the external surface of the potted plant.131. The method of claim 130 wherein the step of applying a coverfurther comprises bonding the cover to the exterior surface of thepotted plant.
 132. The method of claim 117 wherein the step of applyinga cover further comprises bonding the cover to the exterior surface ofthe potted plant.
 133. The method of claim 117 wherein the step ofconveying the potted plant further comprises conveying the potted planton automatic conveying means.
 134. The method of claim 133 wherein theautomatic conveying means further comprises a conveyor belt.
 135. Themethod of claim 117 wherein the automatic sleeving means comprises meansfor automatically opening the sleeve to provide an open sleeve forreceiving the covered potted plant.
 136. The method of claim 135 whereinthe step of automatically applying a sleeve further comprisesautomatically depositing the covered potted plant into the open sleeve.137. The method of claim 136 wherein the covered potted plant isautomatically deposited into the open sleeve by passing the coveredpotted plant through a guiding means.
 138. The method of claim 117wherein the step of automatically applying a sleeve comprises wrapping asheet of sleeving material about the covered potted plant to form asleeved covered potted plant.
 139. The method of claim 117 comprisingthe additional step of sealing an upper portion of the sleeve of thesleeved covered potted plant.
 140. The method of claim 139 wherein thestep of sealing further comprises using an automatic sealing device.141. The method of claim 139 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises heat sealing.
 142. The method of claim 139 wherein the step ofsealing further comprises sonic sealing.
 143. The method of claim 139wherein the step of sealing further comprises vibratory sealing. 144.The method of claim 139 wherein the step of sealing further comprisespressure-sensitive sealing.
 145. The method of claim 117 furthercomprising the additional step of providing a transfer means forengaging the sleeved covered plant and placing the sleeved covered plantinto a carton.
 146. The method of claim 145 wherein the transfer meansfurther comprises an automatic pushing means.
 147. The method of claim145 wherein the transfer means further comprises an automatic grippingmeans.
 148. A method of packaging a potted plant comprising the stepsof: providing a potted plant having an exterior surface; sorting thepotted plant into one of at least two grades in accordance with apredetermined grading criterion; providing an automatic sleeving meansfor automatically applying a sleeve to the sorted potted plant;conveying the sorted potted plant to the automatic sleeving means; andautomatically applying a sleeve about the sorted potted plant to form asleeved potted plant.
 149. The method of claim 148 wherein in the stepof providing a potted plant, the potted plant further comprises a livingpotted plant.
 150. The method of claim 148 wherein the step of sortingthe potted plant comprises using automatic sorting means to sort thepotted plant.
 151. The method of claim 148 wherein the step of conveyingthe potted plant further comprises conveying the potted plant onautomatic conveying means.
 152. The method of claim 151 wherein theautomatic conveying means further comprises a conveyor belt.
 153. Themethod of claim 148 wherein the automatic sleeving means comprises meansfor automatically opening the sleeve to provide an open sleeve forreceiving the potted plant.
 154. The method of claim 153 wherein thestep of automatically applying a sleeve further comprises automaticallydepositing the potted plant into the open sleeve.
 155. The method ofclaim 154 wherein the potted plant is automatically deposited into theopen sleeve by passing the potted plant through a guiding means. 156.The method of claim 148 wherein the step of automatically applying asleeve comprises wrapping a sheet of sleeving material about the pottedplant to form a sleeved potted plant.
 157. The method of claim 148comprising the additional step of sealing an upper portion of the sleeveof the sleeved potted plant.
 158. The method of claim 157 wherein thestep of sealing further comprises using an automatic sealing device.159. The method of claim 157 wherein the step of sealing furthercomprises heat sealing.
 160. The method of claim 157 wherein the step ofsealing further comprises sonic sealing.
 161. The method of claim 157wherein the step of sealing further comprises vibratory sealing. 162.The method of claim 157 wherein the step of sealing further comprisespressure-sensitive sealing.
 163. The method of claim 148 furthercomprising the additional step of providing a transfer means forengaging the sleeved potted plant and placing the sleeved potted plantinto a carton.
 164. The method of claim 163 wherein the transfer meansfurther comprises an automatic pushing means.
 165. The method of claim163 wherein the transfer means further comprises an automatic grippingmeans.
 166. A method of packaging a potted plant comprising the stepsof: providing an automatic sleeving means for automatically dispensingand opening a sleeve; opening the sleeve automatically to form an openedsleeve; providing a cover; depositing the decorative cover into theopened sleeve to form a sleeved cover; providing a potted plant havingan exterior surface; conveying the potted plant to the automaticsleeving means; and depositing the potted plant into the sleeved coverthereby forming a sleeved covered potted plant.
 167. The method of claim166 comprising after the step of providing the potted plant theadditional step of sorting the potted plant into one of at least twogrades in accordance with a predetermined grading criterion.
 168. Themethod of claim 167 wherein the step of sorting the potted plantcomprises using automatic sorting means to sort the potted plant. 169.The method of claim 166 wherein in the step of providing a cover thecover has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an interiorspace adjacent and surrounded by the interior surface.
 170. The methodof claim 166 wherein in the step of depositing the cover in the openedsleeve, the cover is automatically deposited into the opened sleeve.171. The method of claim 166 wherein in the step of depositing the coverin the opened sleeve, the cover is manually deposited into the openedsleeve.
 172. The method of claim 170 wherein in the step of providingthe cover, the cover is provided by automatic cover supplying meanswhich retrieves the cover from a set of preformed covers and places thecover in the opened sleeve.
 173. The method of claim 166 wherein thestep of providing a cover is preceded by the step of forming a coverusing a mold type cover forming means.
 174. The method of claim 169wherein a portion of the interior surface of the cover has a bondingmaterial applied thereto for bonding to the exterior of the potted plantafter the potted plant has been deposited in the sleeved cover.
 175. Themethod of claim 166 wherein the step of conveying the potted plantfurther comprises conveying the potted plant on automatic conveyingmeans.
 176. The method of claim 175 wherein the automatic conveyingmeans further comprises a conveyor belt.
 177. The method of claim 166wherein the step of depositing the potted plant into the sleeved coverfurther comprises automatically depositing the potted plant into thesleeved cover.
 178. The method of claim 177 wherein the potted plant isautomatically deposited into the sleeved cover by passing the pottedplant through a guiding means.
 179. The method of claim 166 comprisingthe additional step of sealing an upper portion of the sleeve after thepotted plant has been deposited in the sleeved cover.
 180. The method ofclaim 179 wherein the step of sealing further comprises using anautomatic sealing device.
 181. The method of claim 179 wherein the stepof sealing further comprises heat sealing.
 182. The method of claim 179wherein the step of sealing further comprises sonic sealing.
 183. Themethod of claim 179 wherein the step of sealing further comprisesvibratory sealing.
 184. The method of claim 179 wherein the step ofsealing further comprises pressure-sensitive sealing.
 185. The method ofclaim 179 wherein the step of sealing further comprises tying the upperportion of the sleeve.
 186. The method of claim 166 further comprisingthe additional step of providing a transfer means for engaging thesleeved covered potted plant and placing the sleeved covered plant intoa carton.
 187. The method of claim 186 wherein the transfer meansfurther comprises an automatic pushing means.
 188. The method of claim186 wherein the transfer means further comprises an automatic grippingmeans.
 189. An apparatus for applying a sleeve about a potted plantcomprising: sleeve support means for supporting a sleeve; sleeve openingmeans for automatically opening the sleeve to form an opened sleeve;guide means for automatically guiding a potted plant to the openedsleeve whereby the potted plant is disposed within the sleeve to form asleeved potted plant; first conveyor means for conveying the pottedplant to the guide means; and second conveyor means for receiving thesleeved potted plant and for conveying the sleeved potted plant toanother location for further disposition.
 190. The apparatus of claim189 comprising sorting means for sorting the potted plant into one of atleast two grades in accordance with a predetermined grading criterionbefore the potted plant is conveyed to the guide means.
 191. Theapparatus of claim 190 wherein the sorting means further comprisesautomatic sorting means.
 192. The apparatus of claim 189 furthercomprising bonding means for bonding the sleeve to an exterior surfaceof the potted plant.
 193. The apparatus of claim 189 wherein the firstconveying means comprises a first conveyor belt means.
 194. Theapparatus of claim 189 wherein the second conveying means furthercomprises a second conveyor belt means.
 195. The apparatus of claim 189further comprising sealing means for sealing a portion of the sleeve.196. The apparatus of claim 195 wherein the sealing means furthercomprises heat sealing means.
 197. The apparatus of claim 195 whereinthe sealing means further comprises sonic sealing means.
 198. Theapparatus of claim 195 wherein the sealing means further comprisesvibratory sealing means.
 199. The apparatus of claim 195 wherein thesealing means further comprises pressure sensitive sealing means. 200.The apparatus of claim 195 wherein the sealing means further comprisestying means.
 201. The apparatus of claim 189 wherein the sleeve openingmeans further comprises an inflation means for inflating the sleevethereby opening the sleeve in preparation for receiving the pottedplant.
 202. The apparatus of claim 201 wherein the sleeve opening meansfurther comprises a suctioning means for exerting a vacuum against aside of a sleeve thereby slightly opening the sleeve for furtherinflation by the inflation means.
 203. The apparatus of claim 189further comprising disengaging means for removing the sleeved pottedplant from the sleeve support means and for placing the sleeved pottedplant onto the second conveyor means.
 204. The apparatus of claim 189further comprising sensing means for causing the sleeve opening means toopen the sleeve in preparation for depositing the potted plant therein.205. The apparatus of claim 189 further comprising a transfer means forengaging the sleeved potted plant on the second conveyor means andplacing the sleeved potted plant therefrom into a carton.
 206. Theapparatus of claim 205 wherein the transfer means further comprises anautomatic pushing means.
 207. The apparatus of claim 205 wherein thetransfer means further comprises an automatic gripping means.
 208. Theapparatus of claim 205 further comprising automatic boxing deliverymeans for delivering a carton into which sleeved potted plants will beplaced in preparation for shipping.
 209. The apparatus of claim 189wherein the potted plant has been covered with a decorative cover priorto the disposing of the potted plant into the opened sleeve.